Vatican City

Coming into existence in 1929, Vatican City is considered by population the second smallest country in the world. With only about 900 citizens living within Vatican City, its territory consists of a 110 acre walled enclave located within Rome, the capital city of Italy. It is considered the main Episcopal See of 1.142 billion Eastern Catholic and Roman Catholic devotees from around the world. With no actual official language, Latin is primarily used for official documents. Italian and English probably constitute the majority of language spoken, but many other languages are also used, due to Vatican City having such international significance.

Vatican City contains many interesting historical buildings and museums that art enthusiasts and history buffs will find appealing. St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel are two of the city’s most popular buildings that are home to some of the most famous art in the world. They include works by artists such as Berninii, Botticellii, Raphael and Michelangelo. The Vatican Library and the collections of the Vatican Museums also contain many fascinating artifacts that are of the highest historical, scientific and cultural importance.

There are no places to spend the night in Vatican City, but there are many hotels in the surrounding Roman neighborhoods. To get to Vatican City, one must take a taxi, bus or walk from Rome. Being a Papal state, Vatican City commands respect and reverence to the Roman Catholic Church and requires that no sleeveless shirts and short pants be permitted within the borders of the city.